14 Fashion Faux Pas

6. Pants that are too long or too short

Always try on pants before buying them, even if you're sure of your measurements. Different brands can have slightly different lengths.

And remember these rules: Khaki and dress pants should end at the top of your shoe's heel. Jeans can be worn to the bottom of the heel. Anything longer — for all types of pants — is too long.

Pants should not reveal any sock when you walk. When you sit, they should not expose more than a couple inches of sock.

7. Pants that sit too high

If you're short-waisted (i.e. long legs and short torso), wear low-rise jeans or khakis/corduroy pants with front pockets rather than side pockets. Another trick is to buy pants with a slightly bigger waist size and a slightly smaller inseam than you normally wear. This will let the pants hang low without tripping up your feet.

8. T-shirts that are too long or too short

If it's long, make sure to never tuck it in your pants; that's a big no-no. T-shirts should end about midway down your fly. Anything longer is just too long, and anything shorter will make you show lots of skin when you bend over. The key is to find a brand that fits your body type. I find American Apparel's tees and Banana Republic's fitted crews to offer the best fit for your buck.

9. "Busy" T-shirts

Stick to T-shirts in solid colors or two colors (ringer tees), and avoid shirts with garish designs, logos or obscene language. In the long run, simple colors will actually give you more mix-and-matching options with regard to jackets, button-downs and sweaters.

10. Wrinkled button-downs

It's as simple as this: You need to own an iron and an ironing board. But if you're traveling, you can do a quick-and-dirty ironing job by lightly spraying water on the wrinkles, heating the area with a blow dryer and smoothing it with your hand. I've even seen guys do this trick in public restrooms with hand dryers! It's a desperate move, but it works.

11. Ties that hang awkwardly

Ties should reach the top of your belt buckle and have a dimple in the center of their knot. The best way to get this all-important dimple is to place your index finger on the area right below the knot as you tighten the tie. TieGuide.com has more info on mastering this sometimes tricky move.

12. Socks with sandals

For starters, get rid of the socks. If you need socks but still want to take advantage of the warm weather, get some ankle-length socks and wear them with canvas sneakers or moccasins.

13. Missing a spot when you shave

Use clear gel when shaving so you can see your skin, or buy a hand mirror and investigate your face up close after you shave to find any missed spots.

14. Sporting a unibrow

Once a week, pluck or gently shave the area between your eyebrows. Of course, you can always go for laser removal. One or two sessions will likely clear you up for life.

fashion mistakes

At first glance, it may seem a tall order to remember all these fashion no-nos. But think of it this way: For every tip you remember, you are saving yourself from one more potentially embarrassing fashion blunder.